Toxidromes and Their Public Health Impacts: A Cross-Sectional Analysis From a South Indian Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, clinical features, and public health impact of various toxidromes, focusing on their demographic associations and healthcare implications in a tertiary care hospital setting. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of one year (January 2021 - December 2021), involving patients who presented with signs of toxic exposure or poisoning. A total of 120 cases were analyzed using detailed questionnaires and clinical examinations. Results: The study identified that organophosphate poisoning was the most common toxidrome, accounting for 35% of the cases. Toxidromes were more prevalent in individuals aged 20-40, with a higher incidence in males. A significant correlation was found between socioeconomic factors, such as low income and education level, and the incidence of poisoning. Conclusion: The study underscores the significant public health burden of toxidromes, particularly in low-income areas. Early detection, public awareness campaigns, and preventive measures such as poisoning education are essential to reducing the burden of toxicological diseases.